Facts

Contact person:
Birgitta Häggman Henrikson
Financer:
  • Odontologisk Forskning Region Skåne (OFRS)
  • Svenska Tandläkare-sällskapet (STS)
Responsible at MaU:
Birgitta Häggman Henrikson
Project members at MaU:
External project members:
  • Professor Eva Ageberg – Lund University
  • Professor Peter Svensson – National University of Singapore
  • Associate Professor Anna Lövgren – Umeå University
Collaborators :
  • Folktandvården Skåne AB
  • Folktandvården Gävleborg AB
Time frame:
01 January 2025 - 31 December 2030
Faculty/department:
Research environment :
Research subject:

About the project

The 'eHealth Program for the Prevention and Reduction of Orofacial Pain in the Population' (ePROPP) aims to develop, implement, and evaluate cost-effective digital health solutions for orofacial pain. Orofacial pain affects over 10% of the adult population globally, reducing quality of life and increasing the burden on healthcare systems. Since orofacial pain is linked to stress-related muscle overload, general well-being, headaches, and pain in other parts of the body, an integrated care strategy is required.

The project includes three main parts:

  • The relationship between pain, muscle overload (tooth clenching/grinding), stress, and general well-being.
  • Evaluation of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and smartphone-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) compared with treatment using oral splints.
  • Patient perspectives on smartphone-based behavioural interventions through surveys, interviews, and focus groups.

Expected outcomes include:

  • Validation of the relationship between self-reported overload, pain, and stress.
  • Assessment of psychosocial and other factors influencing pain.
  • Development of smartphone-based EMA and CBT as effective alternatives.

The project aims to contribute to clinical guidelines and improve access to care through digital solutions, supporting Sweden’s eHealth 2025 vision for more accessible, equitable, and efficient healthcare.